Subject(s)
Athletic Injuries/diagnosis , Athletic Injuries/therapy , Athletic Injuries/rehabilitation , Cumulative Trauma Disorders/diagnosis , Cumulative Trauma Disorders/rehabilitation , Cumulative Trauma Disorders/therapy , Diagnostic Imaging/instrumentation , Diagnostic Imaging/methods , Humans , Physical Examination/methodsABSTRACT
The lower extremity is the most commonly injured anatomic area in sports. An appropriate history and physical examination is sufficient to diagnose most injuries. By knowing the position where a joint has the greatest and least bony stability, one can predict the likelihood of bony and ligament injury. Such information is helpful in determining which structures are most susceptible to injury as well as identifying when radiographs or other diagnostic studies are indicated. An accurate diagnosis is crucial for planning effective therapy and in determining the need for surgical referral. An understanding of common injury patterns is also helpful in differentiating sources of musculoskeletal pain that are not injury related.
Subject(s)
Athletic Injuries/diagnosis , Leg Injuries/diagnosis , Adolescent , Athletic Injuries/therapy , Child , Fractures, Bone/diagnosis , Fractures, Bone/therapy , Hip Injuries/diagnosis , Hip Injuries/therapy , Humans , Leg Injuries/therapy , Osteochondritis Dissecans/diagnosis , Sprains and Strains/diagnosis , Sprains and Strains/therapyABSTRACT
The diagnosis and treatment of acute ankle injuries present challenges to both primary care physicians and orthopedic specialists. Determining the position of the ankle when the injury occurred may help distinguish sprains from fractures so that unnecessary x-rays can be avoided. Stepwise rehabilitation restores function and diminishes the risk of reinjury. Physicians can stress functional measures of recovery to objectively assess readiness for return to play and balance the risks of incomplete rehabilitation against the desire for an early return to sports.
ABSTRACT
An ankle sprain may not seem like a big deal, but returning to play without proper rehabilitation will increase your chances of injuring your ankle again-maybe even more seriously. Taking the time to fully recover will actually put you back in the game faster. The checklist on the other side of this page will take the guesswork out of knowing when you are ready to return to play safely.
